feeling hopeless.

Nurses New Nurse

Published

:cry:I'm graduating from nursing school soon.

I've had two interviews at a major teaching hospital; one was the general HR interview, and the second was an interview with the actual unit I'd be working on.

I didn't get it.

The HR person called and said I didn't get it because "I asked too many questions" and they thought I was "too assertive." What is that supposed to mean? They (the people interviewing me) kept asking me "So...do you have any more questions?" And they even asked that several times! I didn't ask anything crazy, just the standard stuff that our instructors have been telling us to ask during interviews.

I am (supposedly) up for a few other positions, but the last I heard anything from this HR person was two weeks ago almost. The HR person told me to call them in two days if I hadn't been contacted...so I did. And that was over a week and a half ago. So I called again, one week later from the first message I left. Both times I left a polite, friendly message with my contact info. Still have heard nada. I know that things have been crazy, and HR people often leave work early on Fridays-- with Mardi Gras, and the Super Bowl, the person may have just been gone out of town.

I don't know what to think. This HR person liked me a lot and gave me lots of positive feedback. When they called to tell me that I didn't get the position I had interviewed for, they said "But, I still think you are a great fit for _________ hospital, and I am looking into other units for you."

I don't really know what to think. Is there something wrong with me? I'm not really good at handling rejection, but I've never had to be when it came to jobs-- I've almost always gotten whatever job I interviewed for!

I thought when I was done with nursing school, hospitals would be jumping all over me! I've hardly heard from anyone I've applied to.....I have an excellent resume, good grades, lots of community service, great recommendation letters from instructors and peers....I always try to do my best, I work hard, and I show up. I show up on time, and do the job right the first time. I don't have any previous places of employment where I have left on bad terms, rather the contrary-- at any of my previous (non-nursing) jobs, I would be welcome back for employment as I left on good terms.

is this normal? Is there something wrong with me? I am starting to wonder why I even went into nursing. Something must seriously be wrong with me.

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Specializes in Cardiac Stepdown.

I know that it's hard but try not to be discouraged. The perfect job for you is out there! I would be concerned about a hospital who didn't give you a job because you "asked too many questions." A candidate who acts as if she already knows everything should be a much larger concern than one who has genuine questions. Imagine if you got on the floor and weren't allowed to ask questions, that's dangerous!

Just keep looking and let us know how it goes!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

I am currently on my Job Search as well because I will be graduating in May. I talk to a lot of my peers about interviewing and their job searches, and that is by the far, the most ridiculous story I have heard yet!! I've heard of nurse managers mentioning disappointment b/c the student did not ask any questions after the interview. When I interviewed for a job which I think I may accept, the nurse manager asked me to whip out my list of questions. When I asked only a few, she asked me if I could ask the rest so that she could be sure I was making an informed decision about the floor. I would definitely stay far, far away from anyone who tells you that you asked too many questions!!! I highly doubt that hospital is going to back you up in court when you say, "well I wasn't sure what to do and I was told not to ask questions?" Keep your head up. The interview I'm referring to in this post actually came out of nowhere. I went to an open house with a friend "just for kicks," because I wanted to get out of CT, and guess what? I fell in love with the hospital and that unit. You will find something, maybe even when you're not expecting it. I'm sure you've been told 1000 times...but don't settle. You worked your butt off to get where you are...don't let anyone make you feel about with a comment like that. I'd really like to see what kind of nurses are employed there. What an unfortunate situation. Put it in the past, and definitely caution your friends about applying there. Maybe even respond to that nurse recruiter and the nurse manager and anyone else you think needs to hear about her totally ridiculous, cold words.

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Specializes in Urology, Allergy, Med/Surg.

Honey, there is nothing wrong with you and it’s their loss. I bet you deserve better then what they offered you. They were probably looking for some stupid graduate who will be doing what he’s told to and won’t ask for anything that YOU deserve. I’m not gonna lie to you and tell you that your dream job is out there waiting for you, what I’m gonna tell you that there are patients who are dreaming about you without even knowing you. Patient whom you are gonna provide with the best care they’ve ever had. And there is a hospital that will appreciate your job and knowledge, all you have to do is let them know that you are ready

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Specializes in ICU, Pedi, Education.

Don't give up just quite yet. I have applied for Nursing Jobs where I fit what they were looking for perfectly...and did not even get an interview. Also, the first job I had after nursing school was definately not the job for me. Looking back, I saw that during the interview, but was just excited to get an offer. Now, when I don't get an interview or I don't get an offer after an interview(s), I think that it must have been because the manager did not feel like I was the "right fit" for that unit.

I am starting an ICU job in three weeks that I NEVER thought I would actually get when I applied. My entire nursing background is in peds and I have not worked in over four years. However, the manager and I spent about 1 1/2 hours together in my interview....when it was all said and done with I had the job of my dreams. The unit is a great fit for me and I am so excited about starting.

You will find the right fit for you. Remember, when you are interviewing, it is a two-way process. One thing I have really started considering when I am interviewing that the whole process is not just about them offering me a job. It is also about me deciding if I would even like to take that job if it is offered to me.

Good luck!!!

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Specializes in ER, Teaching, HH, CM, QC, OB, LTC.

There is nothing wrong with you, there is something wrong with the system! I interviewed this past week with with a NM she took multiple phone calls (2 person) and co-worker came and went from her her office like it was the break room! What gives?????

I'm a BSN, with 20 yrs!

Best of Luck on your search! I know I will!

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Destiny works in mysterious ways ;)

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Specializes in ICU, Pedi, Education.
There is nothing wrong with you, there is something wrong with the system! I interviewed this past week with with a NM she took multiple phone calss (2 person) and co-worker came and went from her her office like it was the break room! What gives?????

I'm a BSN, with 20 yrs!

Best of Luck on your search! I know I will!

That is very unprofessional. I never cease to be amazed at what some nurses (including...sometimes ESPECIALLY...management). We are professionals and deserve to be treated as such.

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Hi I'm John RN CCRN, The Chess board is set and the companies are setting the pawns (by the way that's you). The insecurities they place on you are scarry and somewhat infuriating. But they do have a purpose. If you don't feel valued they call the shots. Incidentally they do have quite a bit of power, so work within that framework.

(Step1) Remember your clinicals! Use them as a guide for your destination Try to do what you like.

(Step2) Maintain an aire of confidence you are inexperienced sponges that's all. talk with energy and defined goals. If you lack a little confidence FAKE IT!! if you want CCU try to start on cardiac tele. if you want ICU try to do med TELE

(Step) 3 remember that you are playing with the big boys now, it is easy to be dragged into office politics as new nurses, You don't stand a chance in this game iti s so better not to play, you are younger, prettier, and haven't had the time to learn the subtleties of the game or acquire the allies. There aren't a lot of gators in the pond but the few who do exist just under the surface can usually be spotted by their GOSSIP!!. Do watch for them, the old insecure types do eat their young and new nurses have that wonderful texture they so enjoy.

(Step 4) You are recently in the learning mode!! asside from a generally likeable nature this is your biggest strength. LEARN! LEARN! LEARN! Plan organization at home so you dont have to try to figure it out at work(You will be busy enough, I promise you that)You need to take the bull by the horns, Sit at home on the computer and think through your workday. it is this kind of mental exercise that will yeild your most important tool. This is of course your report sheet , we tend to call it our "brains". I have the one i use foe CCU and will email it to you if you like.

Remember Ladys and Gentlemen I have a vested interest in your survival I'm a 49 year old Nurse, I've worked at 37 Hospitals I've seen absurdities, infuriations, hate, love, parties and wakes!! I have seen about all this job has to dish out and I'm relying on You folks to help myself and my lovely wife through our probable tough times. I have a daughter in a nursing program in Washington State and I have encouraged her to become a nurse because it is the most honorable field I know, and God knows how much we all need heroes.

Love You ALL,

John von Brandt RN, CCRN

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